As released, the President’s proposed Fiscal Year 2010 Budget contained provisions authorizing the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to impose fees on the companies it regulates for purposes of funding the majority of its $109 million budget. Brewers, vintners, distillers, wholesalers and retailers would all be required to pay annual fees (essentially a re-imposition of the Special Occupational Tax that Congress repealed in 2005) and/or user fees for federally-mandated requirements and services. As proposed, the fee structure would disproportionately impact small businesses. BA staff and Board members worked closely with a broad colition of alcohol industry members in opposition to the proposal and thus far these provisions have not appeared in any appropriations legislation. BA staff continues to monitor the issue.